MARITIME ARTIFACTS
Our nautical antiques include 18th and 19th century examples of navigational instruments, ship's bells, wheels and other artifacts from ships. All items are guaranteed to be authentic.
A0374 EXCEPTIONAL AMERICAN HALF HULL OF AN AMERICAN SHIP
This early half hull dates circa 1850. It is made up of 11 lifts with the lower portions light and dark with additions of carved trail board, billet head and carved stern board. Overall length including original backboard is 52.5 inches. With a scale of 3/8 inch to the foot it represents a vessel about 125 feet long or about 500 tons. Could represent an average merchant vessel or whaler.
$1250
A0387 CLIPPER SHIP CARD FOR THE SHIP CHARLES COOPER 1866
What makes this advertising sailing card is that the Charles Cooper still exists at least in part. The card advertises the upcoming voyage of the Cooper in 1866 however, she only made it to Port Stanley in
leaky condition where she was condemned. Used there as a storage hulk until around 1960. She was purchased by South Street Seaport Museum for $5000 with plans to bring her to New York, but by the 1990s her condition had deteriorated and she was returned to the newly founded Falklands museum. Today the bow section remains on shore at Port Stanley.
$400
A0359 MASSIVE LIGNUM VATAE FID
This spectacular Lignum Vitae fid measures 31 inches long and is the largest Lignum Vitae fid we have ever seen. It is made showing the light sapwood in contrast with the dark heartwood with fine polish. These large fids were used on large ropes like anchor cables and hawsers. Most examples were made from oak.
$950
SOLD
A0370 PAIR OF CARVED QUARTERBOARDS FROM THE SCHOONER FRED TYLER
Carved and painted in black and gold measuring 59 inches.
The Fred Tyler was built in Philadelphia in 1848. Her early years prior to 1875 are not known. Her home port at that point was New Brunswick NJ and afterwards Port Jefferson. She had a very long career and was finally wrecked off Biddeford Maine in 1920.
$1650
SOLD
A0361 CAPTAIN JOHN J. BRADLEY’S SPEAKING TRUMPET
A large brass speaking trumpet engraved “CAPT. JOHN J. BRADLEY” measures 19.75 inches tall. Original remains of interior res paint. Mouthpiece pierced with holes around the perimeter which may have secured a lining. Some minor dings, but otherwise fine.
We could only find one John J. Bradley 1815 – 1895 that fit within the time period of this trumpet. He was from Philadelphia and may have been captain of a vessel named Growler. There is also information he served as a pilot bringing in vessels to the Delaware River.
$1250
A0360 FINE 18TH CENTURY TELESCOPE BY JAMES CHAPMAN.
Made with 8-sided wood tube with single brass draw inscribed “Made by JA s CHAPMAN. St. Catherine’s LONDON. Unusual flat brass eyepiece and objective lens assembly complete with sliding protective covers. Excellent optics. 13.25 inches closed, 23 inches extended.
James Chapman was in business beginning around 1760 and most instruments date circa 1775-1790. He is not listed in the 1797 directory.
$550
SOLD
A0356 RARE EARLY 18TH CENTURY REVERSE TAPERED TELESCOPE C. 1740
This is the earliest telescope we have ever had. Wood tube marble-grained in red and black paint. No draw, focus made by screw thread on the brass ocular lens assembly with sliding cover. Optics okay but not very sharp. Brass Objective lens lacking sliding protective cover, length 38.5 inches.
An almost identical spyglass is in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum which belonged to Massachusetts military officer Thomas Nixon during the French & Indian Wars.
$1750
A0348 RARE DIETZ US LIGHTHOUSE LANTERN
This early Deitz USLHS, lantern was found in Newburyport and probably was used at the Plum Island Lighthouse. It has the original Brass USLHS label, soldered to the brass base and is in very good condition. Original Glass globe, font, fill cap, and handle all intact.
SOLD
A0233 PERIOD HALF HULL MODEL OF SCHOONER
This fine half hull of a schooner dates mid 19th century and is very similar to the famous schooner yacht AMERICA. It is made from alternating light and dark woods with lower masts and bow sprit. There has been some minor repairs but all parts are original, including the backboard.
$850
A0252 18TH CENTURY QUADRANT WITH DECORATED INDEX ARM
This 18th century octant or quadrant dates from the American Revolution. Probably English and made of ebony with brass fittings and ivory scales. It is complete with it's original keystone mahogany case. During this period the index arms were often engraved. There is an extra peep sight inside the case.
$1250
A0322 18TH CENTURY SAILOR MADE WOOD BUSK
This 18th century busk is finely engraved with pinwheel, floral design, intertwined hearts with chip carved decorations. But significantly is engraved a portrait of a topsail schooner and identified "THE SCHOONER RAINE"
It was probably made by a sailor or master of the vessel as a memento to his wife or sweetheart.
​
Provenance: The William Guthman Collection